Kidsville Junction Childcare and Preschool, Inc. is a childcare center in South Central Pennsylvania, offering a literacy-based environment where children can play and learn. In our conversation, Shirl Quinan reflects on some of her favorite memories from over 19 years as the owner of a childcare center. Plus, explore some simple but impactful advice on fostering your child's literacy.
Learn more about Shirl's passion for education and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of readers and thinkers.
Describe your background and mission. How did you get started, and why do you do what you do?
Our company started 19 years ago. When I moved to Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, I realized there were few options for childcare. Working parents had no place to go, and most were traveling out of their way - some driving all the way to Maryland - to find childcare.
With my background as an elementary school teacher and Director in childcare, I knew I was prepared to take on the challenge of establishing a childcare center that offered a preschool education, before and after school activities, and most importantly, a safe place for parents to leave their children while they're working.
What kind of activities do children enjoy at your daycare?
My favorite part of my job is the kids, hands down. I really enjoy making this an environment where they want to come and learn. Our staff have made this happen, and we couldn't run an effective center without their efforts. We have an amazing summer camp summer program that our summer employees work really hard to pull off each year as well.
Your program is focused on literacy - how do you nurture academics and what advice would you give to parents?
Kidsville Junction blends three types of curriculums to make sure that our children receive the social, emotional, literary, and science skills needed to help them learn and grow.
For parents, the most important thing you can do to help your child learn is to read to them. Reading is an incredible bonding activity that you and your child can experience together, and it opens a whole new world of surprises. Just fifteen minutes a day can spark interest and discussions that are so important for early learners to grow into adult learners.
What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years of childcare experience?
It's crazy how fast 19 years gas gone by. We've met so many incredible individuals along the way. We cherish the connections we have with our parents. Our staff take pride in watching these children grow.
I love getting to play a part in children's growth. The most rewarding is when a child comes back to visit after high school, stopping by to let us know what they are doing and how they've grown up to be young adults. We've had children come back to visit from college and the military. It's just amazing to see them and see the paths their lives have taken. Some have come back to work for us or even started their own families and now are our clients again!
Would you be willing to share the story of where your logo came from?
It's a funny story. I have some experience with art and graphic design, so I designed my own logo. We knew we wanted something that represented the small town, and what better way to represent that than the train station? I actually drew the train and created the logo - so you can say, it represents us and the small town our clientele is from.
How does insurance support your peace of mind as a business owner?
Keller-Brown Insurance Services has been a very important piece of our company since 2014. We've put our trust in their services, and through the ups and downs, they've always been there for us. We love the "small" company experience and keeping it local. I love the fact that I'm able to pick up the phone and know they will be very responsive to our company's needs.
Stay connected with Kidsville Junction on Facebook.
For your business insurance needs, contact Keller-Brown Insurance Services.